Nepal is a trekking destination first, and that shapes everything about staying connected. Kathmandu and Pokhara are well covered. On the Everest and Annapurna trails, coverage exists in many villages but comes and goes, and many teahouses sell WiFi. Travel eSIM data in Nepal is also expensive.
Short answer: a small eSIM covers arrival in Kathmandu and the first days. For a long trek, a local Nepal Telecom or Ncell SIM is usually much cheaper, and teahouse WiFi fills many gaps.
What a Nepal eSIM costs
At the time of writing (October 2026), Wanderly's Nepal plans start at $4.99 for 1GB (7 days), with 5GB for 30 days around $14 and 10GB for 30 days around $26. The median across data-only Nepal plans is about $4.00 per GB — nearly three times the $1.43 global median in the Wanderly eSIM Price Index.
eSIM vs a local SIM
- Travel eSIM: online at Tribhuvan airport, no paperwork. Best for arrival and short trips.
- Local SIM (Nepal Telecom, Ncell): requires your passport and a photo, but is far cheaper for a month of trekking.
Coverage where you will actually be
- Kathmandu (Thamel, Patan, Bhaktapur): good 4G.
- Pokhara: good.
- Chitwan: good in Sauraha; limited in the jungle.
- Everest Base Camp trek: coverage in many villages such as Lukla and Namche Bazaar; patchy higher up. Many teahouses sell WiFi.
- Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp: coverage in many villages, with long gaps; teahouse WiFi is common.
- Remote treks (Manaslu, Upper Mustang, Dolpo): expect long offline stretches.
Never rely on mobile data for safety at altitude. Carry offline maps and tell someone your route.
How much data you need
| Trip | Suggested data |
|---|---|
| Kathmandu + Pokhara, one week | 3 GB |
| Two-week trek | Local SIM + teahouse WiFi |
Cold and altitude drain batteries quickly — carry a power bank. See how much data you need for travel.
Nepal with India
Combining Nepal with India? A Nepal plan covers Nepal only. See the best eSIM for India.
Setting it up
- 1Confirm your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked on our compatibility checker.
- 2Install the eSIM over WiFi before you fly — iPhone or Android steps.
- 3In Kathmandu, select the eSIM for mobile data and turn on data roaming for that line.
FAQ
Is there cell service on the Everest Base Camp trek? In many villages, including Lukla and Namche Bazaar, but it is patchy higher up. Teahouse WiFi is common.
How much does an eSIM for Nepal cost? Wanderly Nepal plans start at $4.99 for 1GB. The median is about $4.00 per GB, well above average.
Is a local SIM cheaper in Nepal? For long stays and treks, yes, much cheaper. It needs your passport and a photo.
Which networks work in Nepal? Nepal Telecom and Ncell.